Upgradeable telescope system

ABSTRACT

A telescope system facilitates easy upgrading from friction lock mounting to manual worm drive, and from manual worm drive to motor drive. Vibration isolation provides a steady field of view for enhanced observation and photography. A telescope mount facilitates enhanced below the horizon and zenith viewing. A tripod has detents which hold the legs thereof in a deployed position during handling of the tripod. A cam lock reliably maintains a desired length of telescoping tripod legs. An X-Y adjustable finder scope facilitates easy alignment thereof with the telescope

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application takes priority from provisional patent Application Ser.No. 60/105,659, filed Oct. 26, 1998 entitled “Upgradeable TelescopeSystem,” the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated hereinby reference.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is related to co-pending patent applicationentitled TELESCOPE SYSTEM HAVING AN INTELLIGENT MOTOR CONTROLLER and toco-pending patent application entitled FULLY AUTOMATED TELESCOPE SYSTEMWITH DISTRIBUTED INTELLIGENCE, both filed on instant date herewith andcommonly owned by the Assignee of this patent application, the entirecontents of both of which are hereby expressly incorporated byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present-invention relates generally to telescopes of the typecommonly used to observe and photograph celestial objects. The presentinvention relates more particularly to a telescope system which can beeasily upgraded from friction lock mounting to manual worm drive, andfrom manual worm drive to motor drive. Further, the present inventioncomprises a mount which facilitates enhanced below the horizon andzenith viewing a motor vibration isolation system, an adjustable wormdrive, a tripod having detents which hold the legs in a deployedposition thereof during handling of the tripod, a cam lock formaintaining a desired length of the tripod legs and an X-Y adjustablefinder scope.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Telescopes for observing and/or photographing celestial objects such asplanets, moons, stars, galaxies, asteroids, comets, nebulae, and thelike are well known. Such telescopes range in size from small, readilyportable ones to large fixed ones which are permanently located inobservatories. The smaller telescopes are commonly used by students,hobbyists and amateur astronomers. The larger telescopes are generallyonly used by researchers and professional astronomers.

Common types of telescopes include refractor telescopes, reflectortelescopes, Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes and Maksutov-Cassegraintelescopes. Refractor telescopes have a light collecting objective lenswhich focuses the collected light upon an eyepiece. The eyepiece, incooperation with the objective lens, provides the desired magnification.

A reflector telescope utilizes a primary mirror to collect light and asecondary mirror to reflect the collected light through an opening inthe telescope tube to an eyepiece. The eyepiece is mounted upon thetube, typically near the front of he tube, and is positioned orthogonalto the tube. The eyepiece cooperates with the primary mirror to providethe desired magnification.

Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes are similar to reflector telescopes,except that the secondary mirror of a Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopereflects the collected light through an opening in the primary mirrorinstead of through an opening in the tube. In this manner, the eyepiececan be located directly behind the primary mirror, which is convenientfor some types of viewing and photography. Additionally, light enters aSchmidt-Cassegrain telescope through a thin, two-side a spheric lens,known as a correction plate. Further, the secondary mirror is convex, soas to increase the effective focal length of the primary mirror.

Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes are similar to Schmidt-Cassegraintelescopes, except that in Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes light entersthe telescope through a meniscus lens and an oversize primary mirror isused to provide an unvignetted field of view.

In viewing celestial objects with any type of telescope, it is necessaryto continually move the telescope, so as to maintain the telescope indesired alignment with the celestial object. This is necessary tocompensate for the rotation of the earth with respect to the cosmos.Thus, such continual realignment of the telescope maintains the desiredcelestial object within the field of view of the telescope as the earthrotates about its axis.

Smaller, portable telescopes of the reflector, refractor,Schmidt-Cassegrain, Maksutov-Cassegrain or any other desired type aretypically mounted upon a tripod to facilitate portability and use of thetelescope upon uneven outdoor surfaces, such as upon the ground, uponpaved surfaces such as roads or parking lots, or upon any other desiredsurface.

Two different types of mounts, altitude azimuth and equatorial, arecommonly used to removably attach a telescope to a tripod. Altitudeazimuth (altazimuth) mounts provide a comparatively rigid and steadymount for the telescope, but are more difficult to maintain in alignmentwith a desired celestial object when the telescope is being aimedmanually. Altitude azimuth mounts have only two perpendicular axes ofrotation, which make altitude azimuth telescopes inherently more rigidand stable than equatorial telescopes. The altitude axis of rotationallows the telescope to pivot with respect to the mount about ahorizontal axis and the azimuth axis of rotation allows the telescope topivot about a vertical axis. In order to maintain alignment of atelescope having an altitude azimuth mount with respect to a desiredcelestial object, it is generally necessary to move the telescope aboutboth the altitude and azimuth axes, since the position of celestialobjects generally varies in both altitude and azimuth as the earthrotates.

Equatorial mounts facilitate easier maintenance of alignment of thetelescope with a desired celestial object, since the telescope must onlybe moved about a single axis so as to maintain such alignment. In anequatorial mount, two orthogonal axis are configured such that one ofthe two axes can easily be aligned so as to be parallel to the axis ofrotation of the earth. Once such alignment with the earth's axis ofrotation is accomplished, then it is merely necessary to move thetelescope about the other axis, so as to maintain alignment of thetelescope with a desired celestial object. Thus, with an equatorialmount only a single axis of the telescope needs to be moved in order tomaintain such alignment.

However, in an equatorial mount it is necessary to provide twoadditional orthogonal axis of alignment (similar to those of an altitudeazimuth mount) in order to facilitate alignment of one axis so as to beparallel to the earth's axis of rotation. Thus, an equatorial mountactually comprises an altitude azimuth mount plus two additional axesand thus has a total of four different alignment axes. Because theequatorial mount comprises four different alignment axis, and becauseeach axis inherently decreases the stability of the mount, it isdifficult to manufacture an equatorial mount which is as stable as acomparable altitude azimuth mount (which has only two axes ofalignment).

Portable, tripod mounted telescopes have evolved to the point where theyare comparable in quality to the larger, fixed telescopes ofobservatories. With the advent of precise alignment control andelectronic imaging, it is now possible to use such portable telescopesto take pictures of celestial objects which could only be photographedby observatories just a few years ago.

Although such contemporary portable telescopes have proven generallyuseful for their intended purposes, they do possess substantialdeficiencies. For example, contemporary portable telescopes are noteasily upgradeable, they are typically susceptible to vibration causedby drive motors, they cannot always be oriented as desired, they utilizetripods which are unreliable or difficult to use, and they have a finderscope which is difficult to align with the telescope.

Frequently, a telescope is purchased in a basic, or less expensiveconfiguration, and it is later desired to upgrade the telescope so as toprovide desirable features and enhanced functionality. For example, itis common for an amateur astronomer to first purchase a small refractortelescope which has a mount which utilizes friction locks to maintainthe desired orientation of the telescope. The telescope is aimed at adesired celestial body by loosening the friction locks and manuallymanipulating the telescope with respect to the tripod, so as to effectthe desired alignment. The friction mounts are then tightened to preventthe telescope from moving.

However, as those skilled in the art will appreciate, such friction lockmounts are clumsy and extremely difficult to use. Fine adjustments inalignment, which are frequently necessary so as to maintain a desiredcelestial object within the field of view of the telescope, areextremely difficult to make when utilizing friction lock mounts.Usually, manual manipulation of the telescope results in uneven, jerkymovements of the telescope. It is almost impossible to take longexposure photographs with a telescope having friction mounts. Further,the very act of tightening a friction lock (which is intended tomaintain desired alignment) frequently causes undesirable misalignmentof the telescope. Thus great care must be taken in the use of suchfriction lock mounts so as to maintain desired alignment of thetelescope.

Because of the difficulty of maintaining desired alignment of thetelescope with respect to a celestial object being observed orphotographed, it is frequently desirable to upgrade the telescope toutilize manual worm drives, rather than friction lock mounts. To changethe altitude or azimuth alignment of a telescope which utilizes manualworm drives, the user merely turns a knob associated with the desiredaxis to be adjusted, so as to effect comparatively smooth rotation ofthe telescope about that axis. For example, to change the altitudealignment of the telescope, the user merely turns the altitude manualworm drive knob. The worm drive provides gear reduction, such thatturning the knob results only in very minute changes in altitudeadjustment, thus facilitating very precise and easy alignment of thetelescope is obtained. The worm drive also provides a much greaterdegree of stability as compared to a friction drive. In a worm drive,the adjustment knob is attached to a worm, which rotates a worm gear asthe knob is turned. Such a worm/worm gear arrangement is inherentlystable and tends to resist movement of the telescope unless theadjustment knob is turned. With a manual worm drive, it is even possiblefor a very patient user to maintain sufficient alignment of thetelescope to facilitate long exposure celestial photography.

However, such manual adjustment of the telescope requires constantattention, particularly during celestial photography. Thus, it isdesirable to further upgrade the telescope by motorizing the worm drive,so as to eliminate the need for such constant manual adjustment. Whenutilizing a motorized worm drive, a computer may be utilized to providecontrol signals to the motors, so as to continuously effect the desiredalignment. Further, the computer may further be utilized to find thedesired celestial object, as well as to aid in an initial alignment ofthe telescope.

Thus, it is clear that a series of consecutive upgrades to a telescopeis frequently desirable. However, effecting such upgrades withcontemporary telescopes is typically a difficult, costly and timeconsuming endeavor. Quite often, the telescope or the mount must bemodified, so as to accommodate such upgrades. As such, it is desirableto provide a telescope system which readily accommodates upgrading ofthe telescope mount from friction lock mounts to manual worm drives andfrom manual worm drives to motorized worm drives in a manner which issimple, convenient, and comparatively inexpensive.

Another problem commonly associated with contemporary telescopes is thatthose contemporary telescopes utilizing motor drives are undesirablysubject to vibration caused by operation of the motors. As those skilledin the art will appreciate, the electric motors associated with suchmotor drives can operate at comparatively high speeds, e.g.,occasionally as high as 15,000 rpm. At such high speeds, any slightimbalance in the motor tends to cause the motor to vibrate, and thustransmit such vibration through the drive motor assembly and the mount,to the telescope. It will be appreciated that even minute vibrations ofthe telescope are highly undesirable when high magnifications are used.When utilizing such high magnifications, even the slightest movement ofthe telescope will cause the viewed celestial object to move appreciablywithin the field of view. Indeed, excessive vibration will make thetelescope unusable for celestial photography at higher magnifications.Thus, it is desirable to isolate the motor from the telescope, so as tomitigate vibration of the telescope caused by the motor.

Another problem commonly associated with contemporary telescopes is thatduring below the horizon and during zenith viewing, it is frequentlydifficult to orient contemporary telescopes at the desired angle. Belowthe horizon viewing is viewing in which the telescope is oriented suchthat it points in a direction below horizontal, i.e., points somewhatdownwardly. Below the horizon viewing is also frequently used duringterrestrial observations, particularly when the telescope is situated ata higher elevation than the object being observed, such as when thetelescope is located within a tall building or upon a hill. Zenithviewing occurs when the telescope is oriented such that it issubstantially vertical, i.e., aimed directly overhead. As discussedabove, contemporary telescope mounts inhibit such viewing. Further, itis necessary to continually vary the alignment of the telescope, so asto maintain a desired celestial object within the field of view.Occasionally, particularly during celestial photography, it is desirableto maintain the celestial object within the field of view as long aspossible. Thus, it is occasionally desirable to maintain the desiredcelestial object within the field of view by orienting the telescope forbelow the horizon and/or zenith viewing.

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, contemporary mounts tend toundesirably limit the angle at which below the horizon and zenithviewing is possible. Such contemporary mounts interfere with desiredmovement of the telescope during below the horizon and zenith viewingsuch that the telescope undesirably abuts the mount when moved to itsextreme limit of travel during such viewing. Thus, it is desirable toprovide a telescope mount which facilitates below the horizon and zenithviewing at enhanced angles.

As discussed above, portable telescopes are frequently mounted upontripods. Although such tripods provide an inexpensive and convenientmeans for mounting the telescope, contemporary tripods do possessdeficiencies. For example, when a contemporary tripod is picked up, aswhen moving the telescope from one location to a nearby location, orwhen disassembling the telescope for transport, the legs of the tripodtend to fold in from their extended or deployed positions undesirably.Such folding, when merely moving the telescope from one location to anearby location, necessitates that the user redeploy the tripod legs atthe new location. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, suchredeploying of the telescope legs is difficult, particularly when asingle person is attempting to move the telescope. Thus, it would bedesirable to provide a tripod which maintains the legs thereof in adeployed position until the user desires that the legs be folded orstowed.

Yet another problem commonly associated with contemporary telescopes isthat of unreliable locking mechanisms for maintaining the tripod legs atthe desired length thereof. Many tripods utilize telescoping legs, so asto facilitate easy storage and transportation thereof. Such telescopingtripod legs may be adjusted to the desired length and locked in place.However, the locks of contemporary telescopes are frequently unreliable.When such a lock fails, then one leg of the tripod collapses, resultingin loss of alignment of the telescope with the object being viewed andpossibly resulting in substantial damage to the telescope. Thus, it isdesirable to provide a positively acting, reliable lock for telescopingtripod legs.

Yet another disadvantage associated with contemporary telescopes is themanner in which finder scopes thereof are mounted to the telescope andadjusted with respect thereto. Contemporary finder scopes are typicallyattached to telescopes utilizing two brackets which are spaced apartalong the length of the finder scope and which attach rigidly to thetelescope. The contemporary finder scope is held in position withrespect to each of the two brackets by three set screws which threadedlyengage the bracket and which bear upon the finder scope. The finderscope is aligned with the telescope by loosening at least one of thethree set screws of a bracket and then tightening one or two of theother set screws of the same bracket.

However, this process is not intuitive in that it tends to move thefinder scope in two orthogonal directions (as related to a X-Ycoordinate system) simultaneously. That is, such contemporary finderscopes do not facilitate movement thereof in only a selected one of twoorthogonal directions. Thus, a contemporary finder scope tends to movein both the X and Y direction when any adjustment is made thereto. Suchoperation of the finder scope can be extremely confusing, particularlyfor novices. Thus, alignment of a contemporary finder scope can requirean undesirably excessive amount of time.

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, it is necessary to properlyalign the finder scope with the telescope, so as to facilitate aiming ofthe telescope at a desired object. The finder scope must be in alignmentwith the telescope in order to facilitate alignment of the telescopewith the desired celestial object. Thus, it is desirable to provide amount for a finder scope which facilitates adjustment of the finderscope in only a single X-Y direction at a time, so as to simplifyalignment thereof with respect to a telescope.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates theabove-mentioned deficiencies associated with the prior art. Moreparticularly, the present invention comprises a telescope system of thetype commonly used to observe and photograph celestial objects. Thetelescope system comprises a telescope, a tripod supporting thetelescope, and a mount attaching the telescope to the tripod in a mannerwhich facilitates rotation of the telescope about first and secondgenerally orthogonal axis.

According to the present invention, the telescope system facilitateseasy, convenient, and comparatively inexpensive upgradeability fromfriction lock mounts to manual worm drives and from manual worm drivesto motor worm drives. The telescope system of the present invention isconstructed so as to mitigate vibration from the motor, so as tofacilitate enhanced viewing and photography. The mount is configured soas to facilitate below the horizon and zenith viewing and photography atenhanced angles. The tripod is constructed so as to maintain the legsthereof in either the deployed or stowed positions, as desired. The legsof the tripod comprise locks which are positive acting and reliable. Thefinder scope of the present invention is constructed so as to facilitatealignment thereof with the telescope by moving the finder scope in asingle X-Y direction as an alignment adjustment is being performed,thereby substantially simplifying the alignment process.

The mount comprises a base pivotally attached to the tripod to definethe first or azimuth axis, two arms extending from the base to which thetelescope is pivotally attached to define the second or altitude axis, afirst cutout formed in the mount for providing clearance to thetelescope when the telescope is oriented for below the horizon viewing,so as to enhance an angle at which the telescope is capable of beingoriented during below the horizon viewing, and a second cutout formed inthe mount for providing clearance to the telescope when the telescope isoriented for zenith viewing, so as to enhance an angle at which thetelescope is capable of being oriented during zenith viewing. The firstand second cutouts are preferably formed in either the base or areformed in a fork defined by the two arms. The first and second cutoutsmay likewise be formed in any portion of the mount which undesirablylimits movement of the telescope. The arms preferably extend from thebase at an angle of between approximately 30° and approximately 60°,preferably approximately 45°, with respect to vertical.

Further, and according to the present invention, an UPGRADEABLEtelescope system comprises a first pivot attaching the telescope to themount for facilitating rotation of the telescope about the azimuth axisand a-second pivot attaching the mount to the tripod for facilitatingrotation of the telescope about the altitude axis. Thus, the first pivotpreferably defines a generally horizontal axis of rotation, i.e., analtitude axis, and the second pivot defines a generally vertical axis ofrotation, i.e., an azimuth axis. A first friction lock is configured tomitigate rotation of the telescope about the first axis. The firstfriction lock is configured to removably attach a first worm drivethereto. Similarly, a second friction lock is configured to mitigaterotation of the telescope about the second axis. The second frictionlock is likewise configured to removably attach a second worm drivethereto. Thus, the first and second friction locks are configured so asto facilitate easy, convenient, and inexpensive upgrade thereof fromfriction lock mounting to manual or motorized worm drives.

The first and second friction locks comprise a friction lock housing, aknob which is rotatable with respect to the friction lock housing so asto effect engagement of the friction lock, and a plurality of threadedopenings formed in the friction lock housing for receiving threadedfasteners so as to removably attach a worm drive to the friction lockhousing.

Each of the first and second friction locks preferably further comprisea spacer located intermediate the knob and the friction lock housing.The spacer provides room for the worm drive when the spacer is removed.Thus, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, aportion of a worm drive may optionally be located intermediate the knoband the friction lock housing. The worm drive is removably attachable toeach of the first and second friction lock housings so as to effecteither manual or motorized rotation of the telescope about the altitudeand azimuth axis.

Each worm drive comprises a housing which is configured to removablyattach a motor so as to facilitate motorized operation thereof.According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, eachworm drive housing comprises at least one threaded opening for receivinga threaded fastener, so as to removably attach a motor to the worm drivehousing. Thus, according to the present invention, a motor is removablyattachable to each worm drive housing so as to effect rotation of thetelescope about the altitude and azimuth axes thereof.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, eachworm drive comprises a worm gear coupled to effect rotation of thetelescope when the worm gear rotates, a worm coupled to effect rotationof the worm gear when the worm rotates, and a knob coupled to effectrotation of the worm when the knob rotates. The knob is manuallyrotatable, so as to facilitate manual adjustment of the altitude andazimuth axis. According to the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the worm gear of each worm drive is configured such that itrotates upon a shaft without effecting rotation of the shaft when a knobof the friction lock to which the worm drive is attached is loose, andsuch that the worm gear effects rotation of the shaft when the knob ofthe friction lock to which the worm drive is attached is tight. Rotationof the shaft effects rotation of the telescope. Further, according tothe preferred embodiment of the present invention, two metal washers aredisposed upon the shaft. One metal washer is located upon each side ofthe worm gear and is configured so as to rotate with the shaft. Thus,the two metal washers and the worm gear define a clutch which iscontrolled by the knob, such that the clutch engages when the knob istightened and disengages when the knob is loosened.

A polystyrene friction washer is preferably located intermediate eachmetal washer and the worm gear and is configured so as to rotateindependently with respect to the shaft. The polystyrene frictionwashers tend to provide a generally constant coefficient of frictionbetween the metal washers and the worm gear when the drive knob istight. The polystyrene friction washers tend to provide a generallyconstant coefficient of friction regardless of contamination thereofwith oily or greasy substances such as lubricants.

Optionally, a hand-held controller controls the motors, so as tofacilitate aiming of the telescope at a desired celestial object. Thehand held controller comprises either a key pad for facilitating inputof commands to move the telescope in altitude and azimuth, oralternatively comprises a joy stick for facilitating input of commandsto move the telescope in altitude and azimuth. Optionally, the hand-heldcontroller comprises a microprocessor configured to aim the telescope ata desired celestial object when either a designation, e.g., name ornumber, of the celestial object or coordinates of the celestial objectare entered into the hand-held controller.

The telescope system of the present invention preferably comprises atripod having a head and three legs pivotally attached to the head andextending downwardly from the head. The three legs have a stowedposition and a deployed position. Preferably, a detent is formed uponeach leg and is configured so as to releasably hold each leg in thedeployed position thereof. As is common in contemporary tripods, thelegs are preferably configured so as to telescope in order to vary thelength thereof, as desired.

The detent may be formed upon either the head or upon each leg. Thedetent preferably comprises a protrusion formed upon either the head orupon each leg. Thus, each detent comprises either a protrusion formedupon the head and a corresponding generally flat surface formed uponeach leg, such that the flat surface abuts the protrusion and tends tocompress the protrusion as the leg is moved from the deployed positionto the stowed position thereof, or the detent alternatively comprises aprotrusion formed upon each leg and a corresponding generally flatsurface formed upon the head for each protrusion, such that the flatsurface abuts each protrusion and tends to compress the protrusion asthe leg is moved from the deployed position to the stowed positionthereof. Preferably, each detent is also configured to releasably holdthe leg in the stowed position thereof. Preferably, the tripod furthercomprises a first stop formed upon the head for defining the deployedposition of each leg and a second stop formed upon the head for definingthe stowed position of each leg. The first and second stops limit therange of travel of the legs so as to define the deployed and stowedpositions thereof.

Each of the legs of the tripod preferably comprise a lock formaintaining the leg at a desired length. The lock preferably comprises alever having a cam formed thereon. The lever is pivotally attached tothe leg section having the larger diameter of the two telescopingsections thereof, e.g., the upper section. A pusher is formed of asubstantially rigid material and the cam is configured such that the campushes the pusher toward the second leg section when the lever is moved.A friction pad is located upon the pusher and comprises a substantiallyresilient material. The friction pad is configured to contact the secondleg section when the pusher is pushed there toward, so as tofrictionally engage the second leg section and thereby mitigate movementof the second leg section with respect to the first leg section.

The telescope system of the present invention preferably furthercomprises a finder scope which is attached to the telescope for aidingin alignment of the telescope with respect to a desired celestial objectwhich is to be observed or photographed with the telescope. The finderscope comprises a tube having proximal and distal ends, an eyepiecelocated at the proximal end of the tube, an objective lens located atthe distal end of the tube, and first and second brackets spaced apartalong the tube for adjustably attaching the tube to the telescope. Thefirst bracket comprises a first pair of parallel knife edges defining afirst opening and the second bracket similarly comprises a second pairof parallel knife edges defining the second opening. Each pair of knifeedges define pivot about which the finder scope can rotate with respectto the telescope. The tube is located within the first and secondopenings, such that it extends there through, and the first and secondpairs of knife edges are oriented generally orthogonally to one another,so as to facilitate adjustment of the finder scope in two generallyorthogonal directions. The first mount is preferably located near theproximal end of the tube and the second mount is preferably located nearthe distal end of the tube.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a firstpair of opposed set screws threadedly engage the first mount and arelocated upon opposite sides of the tube, so as to effect movement of thetube within the first opening. Similarly, a second pair of opposed setscrews threadedly engage the second mount and are located upon oppositesides of the tube, so as to effect movement of the tube within thesecond opening. The first and second mounts are preferably configuredsuch that movement of the tube within the first opening causes rotationof the tube about a first axis and movement of the tube within thesecond opening causes rotation of the tube about a second axis, whereinthe first and second axis are generally orthogonal to one another.According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, thefirst axis is located proximate the second opening and is generallyparallel to the knife edges of the second opening and the second axis islocated proximate the first opening and is generally parallel to theknife edges of the first opening.

Thus, according to the present invention, a method for aligning a finderscope with respect to a telescope, so as to facilitate subsequent use ofthe finder scope in alignment of the telescope with respect to acelestial object to be observed or photographed with the telescopecomprises the steps of moving the finder scope along a first pair ofknife edges defining a first opening through which the finder scopeextends, so as to align the finder scope in a first axis with respect tothe telescope, and moving the finder scope along a second pair of knifeedges defining a second opening through which the finder scope extends,so as to align the finder scope in a second axis with respect to thetelescope. The steps of moving the finder scope along the first andsecond pairs of knife edges preferably comprise sliding the finder scopealong the first and second pairs of knife edges. More particularly, thesteps of moving the finder scope along the first and second pairs ofknife edges preferably comprise loosening a first set screw tofacilitate movement of the finder scope with respect to the first pairof knife edges, tightening a second set screw such that the second setscrew causes the finder scope to move with respect to the first pair ofknife edges, loosening a third set screw to facilitate movement of thefinder scope with respect to the second pair of knife edges, andtightening a fourth set screw such that the fourth set screw causes thefinder scope to move with respect to the second pair of knife edges.After the second and fourth set screws have been tightened sufficiently,so as to position the finder scope in desired alignment with thetelescope, then the first and third set screws are tightened, asnecessary, so as to lock the finder scope into alignment with thetelescope.

Further, according to the present invention, a first shaft is rigidlyattached to the telescope and a second shaft is rigidly attached to thebase of the mount. The first shaft is pivotally attached to one of thetwo arms of the mount so as to define a first axis of two generallyorthogonal axes is and the second shaft is rigidly attached to the baseand pivotally attached to the tripod so as to define a second axes ofthe two generally orthogonal axes. At least one worm drive effectsdesired movement of the telescope with respect to the tripod. Each wormdrive comprises a worm gear formed upon one of the first and secondshafts, a worm having first and second ends engaging each worm gear. Apair of resilient supports facilitate mounting of each worm. Oneresilient support is located proximate the first end of each worm andthe other resilient support is located proximate the second end of eachworm. The resilient supports provide shock/vibration isolation of theworm with respect to the telescope. The resilient supports preferablycomprise rubber, preferably Shore A 50 silicone rubber. Those skilled inthe art will appreciate that various other resilient polymer materialsand the like are likewise suitable.

Each of the resilient supports preferably comprise a body having a flatside and an opening form through the body. The worm extends through theopening. One resilient support facilitates mounting of the worm at eachend of the worm. Further, a bushing is located within the opening of thebody of each support, for facilitating rotation of the worm with respectto the support. The bushing is preferably comprised of a rigid polymermaterials, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, eachworm drive further comprises two set screws, one set screw for adjustingthe position of each of the two supports with respect to the worm gear,so as to facilitate desired engagement of the worm with the worm gear.The worm drive preferably further comprises a pusher block for eachsupport configured such that one of the set screws pushes against thepusher block and the pusher block pushes against the support. The pusherblock is preferably comprised of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin(ABS). Adjusting the desired set screw causes the pusher block to movein a manner which effects corresponding movement of the associatedsupport, thereby facilitating adjustment of the position of the wormwith respect to the worm gear. Thus, both ends of the worm can beadjusted so as to facilitate proper alignment of the worm with respectto the worm gear, as well as the desired degree of engagement therewith.

Further, according to the present invention, each worm gear comprisesoil impregnated, copper-steel powdered metal and each worm comprisesbronze. Each worm gear preferably comprises copper-steel powdered metalin compliance with specification MTIS FC-0208-50. The first and secondshafts preferably comprise steel. Further, according to the preferredembodiment of the present invention, at least one bronze bushing(preferably two bronze bushings) is positioned about each of the firstand second shafts to facilitate rotation thereof. Further, according tothe present invention, the motors for the worm drives preferablycomprise electric motor assemblies. Each electric motor assemblypreferably comprises a housing, a platform located within the housing, aplurality of first resilient shock/vibration mounts attaching theplatform to the housing, an electric motor located upon the platform,and a plurality of second resilient shock/vibration mounts attaching themotor to the platform.

According to the present invention, a plurality of fasteners attach theplatform to the housing. The plurality of first resilientshock/vibration mounts comprise two o-rings positioned around eachfastener, so as to capture a portion of the platform there between. Thehousing preferably comprises first and second housing sections and thefasteners attach the first and second housing sections together.

The electric motor preferably comprises a boss form about a shaft of theelectric motor at each end thereof. The platform preferably comprisestwo clamps, one clamp configured to hold each boss. The plurality ofsecond resilient shock/vibration mounts preferably comprised twoo-rings, wherein one o-ring is located around each bossed and iscaptured by each clamp. Alternatively, one or both of mounts comprise aresilient bracket or plate configured to mount the motor to theplatform.

Preferably, a reduction gear assembly is mounted upon the platform forfacilitating reduction in the rotational speed provided by the motor tothe worm drive, while also increasing the torque thereof.

Thus, the present invention provides an easily upgradeable telescopesystem having improved vibration isolation with respect to the motordrives thereof. An improved tripod is provided which desirably maintainsthe legs in the stowed or deployed positions thereof and which reliablylocks the legs in the desired extended position thereof. An improvedfinder scope facilitates easy alignment thereof with the telescope.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These, and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will be more fully understood when considered with respect tothe following detailed description, appended claims and accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an upgradeable telescope systemaccording to the present invention, having friction locks for thealtitude and azimuth axes and showing the tripod thereof with the legsof the tripod in a deployed position;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the altitude friction lock ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the altitude friction lockof FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the azimuth friction lockof FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the upgradeable telescope system of FIG.1, having the altitude and azimuth friction locks thereof upgraded tomanual worm drives;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, exploded perspective view of the altitude manualworm drive of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross sectional side view of the altitude manualworm drive of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional side view of the azimuth manual worm driveof FIG. 5; FIG.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the worm drive of FIG. 6,showing one mounting aperture thereof;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross sectional side view of a tripod leg lock ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a first perspective view of the telescope mount of FIG. 5,wherein both the altitude and azimuth manual worm drives thereof havebeen upgraded to motorized worm drives;

FIG. 12 is a second perspective view of the telescope mount of FIG. 5,wherein both the altitude and azimuth manual worm drives thereof havebeen upgraded to motorized worm drives;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a motor drive assembly having the upperhousing section thereof removed;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the drive motor assembly of FIG. 13having the upper platform section removed therefrom;

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the motor drive assembly ofFIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the platform, motor, andreduction gear assembly of FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a finder scope having two sets ofparallel knife edges which facilitate X-Y adjustment of the finder scopeaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged perspective view of the brackets of the finderscope of FIG. 17, better showing the two sets of parallel knife edgesthereof;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an alternate motor drive assemblyattached to a telescope mount;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the alternate motor drive assemblyexploded away from the telescope mount of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of the motor drive assembly ofFIG. 19 showing the motor platform therein;

FIG. 22 is an enlarged perspective view of the motor platform of FIG.21; and

FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of the motor platform of FIG.22.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appendeddrawings is intended as a description of the presently preferredembodiment of the invention, and is not intended to represent the onlyform in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. Thedetailed description sets forth the construction and functions of theinvention, as well as the sequence of steps for operating the inventionin connection with the illustrated embodiment. It is to be understood,however, that the same or equivalent functions may be accomplished bydifferent embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed withinthe spirit and scope of the invention. The upgradeable telescope systemof the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 18, whichdepict a presently preferred embodiment thereof. Referring now to FIG.1, the upgradeable telescope system 10 of the present inventiongenerally comprises a telescope 12 attached to a tripod 28 via mount 23in a manner which facilitates movement of the telescope 12 about both ahorizontal or altitude axis and a vertical or azimuth axis. As discussedherein and shown in the drawings, the telescope 12 comprises a refractortelescope. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that thepresent invention is likewise applicable to other types of telescopessuch as reflector telescopes, Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes,Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes, etc.

The telescope 12 comprises an objective lens 14 which collects light andfocuses the collected light upon eyepiece 16, via prism or mirror 17.Focus knob 19 moves the eyepiece so as to facilitate focusing of thetelescope 12. Interchangeable eyepieces are preferably utilized.

Finder scope 18 is used to aid in the alignment of the telescope 12 suchthat a desired celestial object can be observed or photographedtherewith. Before using the finder scope to align the telescope, thefinder scope must be aligned with the telescope. The present inventionprovides an improved finder scope 18, which is substantially easier toalign than contemporary finder scopes, as discussed in detail below.

The mount 23 comprises a base 172 from which a fork 74 (both 172 and 74are better shown in FIG. 11) extends to support the telescope 12. Themount 23 comprises mounting brackets 76 and 78, which attach to thetelescope 12, preferably via fasteners such as bolts or screws 77.Optionally, motor and controller interface 24 facilitates electricalinterconnection of a manual, held controller and axis drive motors. Afriction lock 20, comprising a knob 50, is used to facilitate locking ofthe telescope 12 in a desired position, as discussed in detail below.Knob 80 formed upon mount bracket 78 is merely cosmetic and may besomewhat similar in appearance to knob 50 of friction lock 20.Similarly, pivoting of the mount 23 with respect to the tripod head 26is controlled by friction lock 31, as described in detail below.

First mount bracket 76 and second mount bracket 78 facilitate attachmentof the telescope 12 to the mount 23 via pivot shafts 82 and 86 (FIG. 3).Mount 23 is configured so as to facilitate below the horizon viewing andzenith viewing at enhanced angles, as discussed in detail below.

Motor and controller connections 24 provide a convenient interface for ahand held controller 11 and telescope drive motor assemblies 240 and 244(FIG. 11). Either a joystick 13 or a keypad 15 of controller 11 may beused to control the telescope drive motor. The motors 250 (FIG. 14) ofdrive motor assemblies 240, 244 are shock/vibration isolated withrespect to the telescope 12, so as to enhance viewability andphotographic applications of the telescope 12 by maintaining acomparatively steady field of view during use, as discussed in detailbelow. The mount 23 is pivotally attached to tripod head 26.

The tripod 28 further comprises three legs 30. Each leg 30 is pivotallyattached to the tripod 26 head in a manner which maintains each leg ineither the deployed or stowed position thereof during handling of thetripod 28, as discussed in detail below.

The tripod legs 30 preferably comprise upper tripod leg sections 32 andlower tripod leg sections 34 which telescope into the upper tripod legsections 32. Cam locks 38 provide enhanced locking of the second legsections 34 with respect to the first leg sections 32, as discussed indetail below. Eyepiece holder 36, attached to one of the legs 30,provides a convenient place to store a plurality of interchangeableeyepieces, such that the eyepieces are readily available, as desired.

The upgradeable telescope system of the present invention can easily beupgraded from friction locks, 20, 31 to manual worm drives 121, 123 andfrom manual worm drives 121, 123 to motorized worm drives, as discussedin detail below. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, frictionlocks 20, 31 merely hold the telescope 12 in position, relative to thetripod 28. Thus, in order to move the telescope 12 into position forobserving or photographing a desired celestial object, it is generallynecessary to loosen both the altitude friction lock 20 and the azimuthfriction lock 31, so as to allow the telescope to rotate freely aboutboth the altitude and azimuth axes. When the telescope 12 has beenpositioned roughly in alignment with the desired celestial object, thenthe altitude friction mount 23 and the azimuth friction lock 31 aretightened sufficiently to maintain the desired general alignment of thetelescope 12, while also facilitating fine adjustment thereof by gentlytapping or pushing the telescope in the desired direction. Once thedesired celestial object is within the field of view of the telescope12, preferably near the center of the field of view, then both thealtitude friction lock 20 and the azimuth friction lock 31 aretightened, so as to inhibit further movement of the telescope 12 withrespect to the tripod 28. However, those skilled in the art willappreciate that such manual positioning of the telescope is extremelydifficult and does not usually result in desired alignment of thetelescope 12 in a simple or timely fashion.

The legs 30 of the tripod 28 attach to the tripod head 26 via boltswhich pass through openings 33 in the proximal ends of the tripod legs30 and through corresponding openings 114 in the tripod head 26, asshown in FIG. 4.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, an altitude friction lock 20 is shown.The azimuth friction lock 31 is analogous in structure and function. Thealtitude friction lock 20 comprises a shaft 62 which is rotatablyattached to the fork 74 (best shown in FIGS. 11 and 12) of the mount 23.The shaft 62 rotates within bushings 64 and 72 which attach to the fork232 as shown in FIG. 3. The shaft 62 is preferably comprised of steeland the bushings 64 and 72 are preferably comprised of bronze. The shaft62 is attached to mount bracket 76 of the telescope 12, preferably viaeither threaded attachment to the nut 88 or via press fit. In a similarfashion, shaft 82 is attached to mount bracket 78, preferably via nut 84or via press fit. Shaft 82 rotates within busing 83 of fork 74. The fork74 is rotatably captured upon shaft 62 between the mount bracket 76 ofthe telescope 12 and nut 60 which is threaded to the shaft 62.Belleville washer 61 is positioned upon shaft 62 intermediate nut 60 andbushing 64. Spacer 57 attaches to fork 74 and is preferably configuredso as to be seated upon lip 71 of fork 74. A similar flange 63 ispreferably formed upon spacer 57 and is received within knob 50, so asto visually obscure internal components of the friction lock 20. Thespacer 57 is removed from the friction lock 20 when an upgrade isperformed to a worm drive, as discussed below. Tab washer 56 engagescomplimentary cutouts 59 formed in the spacer 57 so as to provide abearing surface for washer 54 which abuts tab washer 56 when nut 52 istightened upon shaft 62. Knob 50 is configured to receive and engage nut52, such that rotation of knob 50 results in like rotation of shaft 62.

A scale, preferably printed or silk screened upon thin sheet metal 63,is optionally attached to the fork 74 in a corresponding index so as toprovide a convenient reference for positioning the telescope 12.Threaded apertures 200 (better shown in FIG. 6) are not utilized in thefriction lock 20, but rather are used when the friction lock 20 isupgraded to a worm drive, as discussed in detail below.

In operation, a user utilizes friction lock 20 to hold the telescope 12in a desired position by tightening the knob 50 SO as to cause nut 52 tourge wave spring washer 54 against the bearing surface of tab washer 56.Since spacer 57 is rigidly attached to fork 74, rotation of shaft 62 isinhibited by tightening knob 50. That is, tightening nut 52 againstbearing surface 56, via washer 54, tends to compress the washer 54between the nut 52 and the tab nut 56 so as to lock the friction lock20.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the azimuth friction lock similarly comprises ashaft 91 which is rotatably attached to the tripod head 26 and rotateswithin bronze bushings 102 and 104. The proximal end of the shaft 91 isrigidly attached to mount 23, preferably via either threaded or pressfit. The azimuth friction lock 31 further comprises a knob 90, nut 93,wave spring washer 92, tab washer 94, spacer 96, nut 98, and Bellevillewasher 100, which are analogous to the same components of the altitudefriction lock 20 and function in a like manner.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-9, the altitude 20 and azimuth 31 frictionlocks of the telescope system can easily be upgraded to manual wormdrives 121, 123, if desired. As discussed above, although friction locks20, 31 provide an inexpensive means for facilitating altitude andazimuth adjustment of the telescope 12, such friction locks 20, 31 arecomparatively difficult to use. It is frequently desirable to upgrade atelescope having such friction locks 20, 31 to one which utilizes manualworm drives 121, 123, so as to make alignment of the telescope 12 inaltitude and azimuth much easier and more precise.

With particular reference to FIG. 6, the altitude manual worm drivepreferably comprises a phosphor bronze worm 132 which engages a wormgear 158 such that manual rotation of the worm 132 effects adjustment ofthe telescope 12 in altitude. Worm a gear 158 rotates independently withrespect to shaft 62 upon which it is located. More particularly, theazimuth manual worm drive comprises a worm drive knob 120 which engagesa nut 122 such that when the knob 120 is rotated, the nut 122 rotateslikewise. The nut 122 is threaded to the worm 132 such that rotating nut122 results in like rotation of worm 132. Worm 132 is rotatably attachedto worm drive housing 58 via bushings 128 and 146. Belleville wormwasher 124 and flat washer 126 are positioned upon worm 132 intermediatenut 122 and worm drive housing 58. Belleville washer 124 allows nut 122to be tightened without substantially inhibiting rotation of shaft 132with respect to worm drive housing 58. Flat washer 126 provides abearing surface for Belleville washer 124. Similarly, nut 152 isthreaded onto shaft 132 and Belleville washer 150 and flat washer 148are disposed intermediate nut 152 and bushing 146. Bushings 128 and 146are preferably comprised of plastic, preferably polyethyleneterephthalate (PET). Bushings 128 and 146 preferably attached to wormdrive housing 58 via resilient mounts 130 and 140, respectively. Theresilient mounts 130 and 140 are positioned within complimentaryrecesses 138 of the worm drive housing 58. According to the preferredembodiment of the present invention, a pusher 144, 145, comprised ofacrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin (ABS) is positioned intermediateeach resilient support 130, 140 and a set screw 134, 142 such thattightening each set screw 134, 142 results in movement of the associatedpusher 144, 145, thereby similarly moving the resilient support 130,140, so as to facilitate adjustment of the worm 132 with respect to theworm gear 158.

Adjustment of the worm 132 with respect to the worm gear 158 isperformed so as to provide conformity between the worm 132 and the wormgear 158, such that engagement of the worm 132 with the worm gear 158 issubstantially optimized throughout the complete range of rotation of theworm gear 158 with respect to the worm 132. That is, such adjustment isperformed so as to attempt to make engagement of the worm 132 with theworm gear 158 approximately the same regardless of the relativerotational positions of the worm 132 and the worm gear 158. In thismanner, the friction or drag associated with engagement of the worm 132with respect to the worm gear 158 is approximately the same throughoutthe complete range of adjustment.

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, various conditions, such asan out of round condition of the worm gear 158, machining defects andthe worm 132 and/or the worm gear 158, misalignment of the worm gear 158upon its shaft, etc., will tend to cause undesirable variations in thedrag or friction associated with turning of the worm gear 158 by theworm 132. Adjusting the worm 132 closer to the worm gear 158 tends toincrease such drag or friction, while adjusting the worm 132 away fromthe worm gear 158 tends to reduce such drag or friction. Adjusting theposition of the worm 132 too close to the worm gear 158 may result inbinding of the worm 132 and worm gear 158, particularly if such amanufacturing imperfection is present. Thus, adjustment is performed soas to minimize the drag or friction at any points throughout the rangeof motion of the worm gear 158 with respect to the worm 132, while alsomaintaining a desired degree of engagement of the worm 132 with respectto the worm gear 158. The resilient supports 130, 140 facilitate suchadjustment. Also, wear of the worm 132 or the worm gear 158 will tend toaffect conformity.

The resilient supports 130, 140 also provide for vibration damping ofthe telescope 12 with respect to the tripod 28. As those skilled in theart will appreciate, inadvertently bumping or tapping the telescopeduring use thereof frequently results in undesirable oscillation orvibration of the telescope which causes the field of view to movesubstantially, thereby inhibiting viewing or photography. Also, it isnot unusual for a user to accidentally bump an altitude or azimuthadjustment knob during use thereof, so as to cause such undesirableoscillation or vibration of the telescope 12. Thus, if someoneaccidentally taps the telescope, or bumps it, as when attempting to lookthrough the eyepiece and inadvertently tapping the eyepiece with theuser's forehead, then the telescope may begin to oscillate or vibrateundesirably and may continue to do so for a substantial length of time,occasionally in excess of 30 seconds. It has been found that theresilient supports 130, 140 tend to dampen such undesirable oscillationor vibration of the telescope 12 such that it quickly ceases suchundesirable oscillation or vibration, typically within a few seconds.

The resilient supports 130, 140 also tend to inhibit the transmission ofundesirable vibration from the drive motors, when installed, to thetelescope 12, so as to further enhance viewing and photography. Theresilient supports 130, 140 also tend to reduce audible noise, such asthat due to engagement of the worm 132 with the worm gear 158 duringmotor operation.

The spacer 57 of the friction lock 20 is removed, so as to accommodateworm drive housing 58. The shaft 62 remains rotatably attached to thefork 74 via nut 60. Tab washers 56 and 162 are disposed upon either sideof worm gear 158 with the tabs thereof received by slot 63 of shaft 62such that tab washers 56 and 162 rotate along with shaft 62. Plasticfriction washers 156 and 160 are disposed intermediate each tab washer56, 162 and worm gear 158. The plastic friction washers 156 and 160 arepreferably comprised of polystyrene so as to mitigate changes infriction between the tab washers 56, 162 and the worm gear 158 in theevent that tab washers 56, 162 or worm gear 158 becomes contaminatedwith a lubricant such as oil or grease.

To upgrade from friction drive to manual worm drive, it is merelynecessary to remove the knob 50 and nut 52 from the shaft 62 of thefriction drive 20 by rotating the knob 50 counter clock wise until thenut 52 completely unthreads from the shaft 62. The washer 54 and thespacer 57, along with bearing washer 56, are then removed from the shaft62. The worm gear assembly 121 is then positioned over the shaft 62 suchthat it engages the lip 71 of the fork 74. Tab washer 162, plasticfriction washer 160, worm gear 158, plastic friction washer 156, tabwasher 56, washer 54, and nut 52 are then placed over shaft 62, in thatorder, and the nut 52 is then tightened. Threaded fasteners, such asscrews, pass through holes 201 (preferable 3 spaced apart holes) in theworm drive housing 58 and threadedly engage threaded holes 200 of thefork 74. Knob 50 is then attached to nut 52. Once assembled, knob 50 isturned so as to cause tab washers 56 and 162, which rotate along withshaft 62, to frictionally engage worm gear 158, which rotatesindependently of shaft 62, via plastic friction washers 156 and 160.Thus, tightening knob 50 tends to cause rotation of worm gear 158 tocause like rotation of shaft 62.

Once so installed, the manual worm gear effects altitude adjustment bymerely turning worm gear knob 120. Thus, turning worm gear knob 120effects rotation of worm 132, which causes worm gear 158 to rotate. Whenknob 50 is tightened sufficiently, it causes worm gear 158 to rotatesubstantially along with shaft 62, such that rotation of worm 132effects rotation of shaft 62, which causes the telescope to move inaltitude. The azimuth worm drive similarly comprises worm 186 and wormgear 198. Worm gear 198 is similarly sandwiched between tab washers 190and 192 with plastic friction washers 180 and 194 being locatedintermediate tab washers 190 and 192 and worm gear 198.

Referring now to FIGS. 11-16, the upgradeable telescope system of thepresent invention may easily be upgraded from manual worm drive tomotorized worm drive. Although manual worm drive does provide easier andmore precise positioning of the telescope than friction locks, suchmanual worm drives do require continuous manual adjustment in order tokeep a desired celestial object within the field of view. Indeed, whensuch celestial objects are being photographed, particularly at highmagnifications, it is necessary to very accurately provide suchcontinuous adjustment of the telescope so as to maintain the desiredcelestial object within the same position in the field of view of thetelescope. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, such precisecontrol of the telescope is necessary so as to obtain a qualityphotograph having desired brightness and quality, e.g., lacking blurringdue to misalignment of the telescope during imaging.

Motorized worm gears may be operated either manually or automatically,e.g., under computer control. During manual operation, a hand heldcontroller 11 (FIG. 1), preferably having either a key pad 15 or a joystick 13, is utilized so effect such manual control of the motorizedworm drives. By utilizing computer control of the motorized worm drives,then the computer may be programmed to maintain alignment of thetelescope 12 with the desired celestial object, so as to facilitateviewing and/or photography thereof.

Upgrading manual altitude worm drive 121, for example, so as to providemotorized control thereof, merely involves removing the manual wormdrive knob 120 (FIGS. 5 and 6) therefrom by housing set screw 121 andthen attaching the drive motor assembly 240. The drive motor assembly240 is attached to the worm gear housing 58 by receiving the tapereddistal end 133 of the worm gear 132 within the output gear 252 of motordrive assembly 240, such that the tapered distal end 133 of the wormgear 132 engages the output gear 252 (best shown in FIGS. 13 and 14). Aset screw may be used to attach the output gear 252 to the worm 132, ifdesired. Flat 131 of the worm 132 engages complimentary flat of theoutput gear 252 to provide positive attachment. The motor drive assembly240 is then secured to the worm drive housing 58 by threading attachmentshaft 243 (best shown in FIGS. 13 and 14) into threaded aperture 117(best shown in FIG. 5) formed in flange 213. Thus, rotation of the motor250 effects rotation of worm drive 132 via output gear 252 of the wormdrive assembly 240. The azimuth motor drive assembly 244 is attached ina like manner.

With particular reference to FIGS. 13-16, the motor drive assemblies240, 244 comprise a motor 250 and a reduction gear assembly 260 disposedupon a platform defined by upper platform section 264 and lower platformsection 262 (best shown in FIGS. 15 and 16). The motor 250 is mounted tothe platform 251 in a manner which provides shock/vibration isolation ofthe motor 250 with respect to the platform 251. More particularly, aresilient o-ring 298 (FIG. 16) is positioned about front motor boss 299such that the lower 262 and upper 264 platform sections clamp about andcapture the front boss 299 with the o-ring 298 between the front boss299 and the upper 264 and lower 262 platform sections. Resilient mount296 isolates the rear end of the motor 250 from the platform.Alternatively, an o-ring can be used to isolate the rear end of themotor in a manner similar to that of the front end. Resilient mount 296attaches to the rear of motor 250 and to the platform 251 so as to holdthe motor 250 in position with respect to the platform 251, whileminimizing the transmission of vibration from the motor 250 to theplatform 251. The platform 251 is likewise shock/vibration isolated fromthe upper 259 and lower 258 housing sections of the motor driveassemblies 240, 244, so as to provide further isolation of the motor 250with respect to the telescope 12. As shown in FIG. 15, a pair ofresilient o-rings 270, 272 are located upon each of three screws 266which attach the platform 251 (defined by upper 264 and lower 262platform sections) to the motor drive housing defined by upper 259 andlower 258 housing sections. Thus, the platform 251 is sandwiched betweenresilient o-rings 270, 272 with each motor drive assembly 240, 244. Yetfurther isolation of the telescope 12 with respect to the motor 250 isprovided by the resilient worm gear supports 130 and 140, as discussedabove.

Vibration isolation of the motor 250 with the o-ring 298 and theresilient mount 296, as well as vibration isolation of the platform 251with the resilient o-rings 270, 272, substantially reduces audible noiseassociated with operation of the motor 250. As those skilled in the artwill appreciate, telescope drive motors, particularly those of largertelescopes, may produce substantial and undesirable noise duringoperation thereof.

Such motor noise can be extremely annoying. It has been found that suchvibration isolation of the motor 250 and the platform 251 substantiallyreduces such audible noise, thereby enhancing the overall utility anddesirability of the telescope system. Thus, such isolation of the motor250 and the platform 251 mitigates both undesirable vibration of thetelescope 12 and undesirable audible noise.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, thereduction gear assembly 260 comprises primary gear 253, which isattached directly to the output shaft of motor 250, intermediate gears292, 293, and 295, which are driven by the primary gear 253, and outputgear 252, which facilitates interconnection to the worm 132.Intermediate gears 291, 292, 293 and 295 rotate upon shafts 291 and 294.According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, thereduction gear assembly 260 is configured so as to provide a motor 250to output gear 252 ratio of approximately 205.3 to 1. Further, the worm132 to worm gear 158 ratio is preferably approximately 60 to 1. Themotor preferably operates from approximately 0 to approximately 15,000rpm.

Encoder wheel 254 is preferably formed upon primary gear 253, such thatencoder wheel 254 rotates with primary gear 253. Encoder 254 cooperateswith a pair of photo diodes 256 and an LED 255 so as to operate inquadrature, thereby providing precise position control of the telescope12. The encoder wheel preferably has 36 teeth.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, the mount 23 is preferably configuredso as to accommodate enhanced below the horizon and zenith viewingtherewith. The mount 23 comprises cutouts 234 and 236 formed therein soas to mitigate interference of the telescope 12 with the mount 23 as thetelescope is moved to the two extremes of the altitude travel. Cutout234 thus allows the telescope 12 be to oriented at a greater angle belowthe horizontal than would be possible without the cutout 234. Similarly,cutout 236 allows the telescope 12 to be oriented at a greater anglewith respect to horizontal during zenith viewing. According to thepreferred embodiment of the present invention, the cutouts 234 and 236are formed in the fork 74 (which comprises arms 230, 232). However,those skilled in the art will appreciate that the cutouts 234 and 236may alternatively be formed in the arms 230, 232, the base 172, and/orany other portion of the mount 23 which would otherwise interfere withand undesirably limit movement of the telescope 12 with respect to themount 23.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the tripod 28 is preferably configured suchthat the legs 30 thereof remain in either the deployed or stowedpositions while the tripod is being handled, e.g., picked up andcarried. More particularly, a detent 108 is formed upon the tripod head26 such that a corresponding flat surface 27 at the upper end of eachtripod leg 30 must engage and substantially compress the detent 108 inorder to move between the stowed and deployed positions. In this manner,each leg 30 tends to stay in either the stowed or deployed positionuntil sufficient force is applied to the leg 30 so as to partiallycompress the detent 108 and thereby urge the leg into the oppositeposition thereof. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that thedetent 108 may alternatively be formed upon the upper end of each leg 30and the corresponding generally flat surface formed upon the tripod head26. The tripod head 26 is preferably formed of a durable polymermaterial.

Outboard stop 112 defines the extended position of each leg by limitingthe travel outboard thereof. Similarly, inboard stop 110 defines thestowed position of each leg by limiting the inboard travel thereof.

Referring now to FIG. 10, each tripod leg 30 preferably comprises a camlock 38 for positively and reliably locking each lower leg section 34into a desired position with respect to each upper leg section 32. Eachcam lock 38 comprises a lever 220 pivotally attached to the upper legsection 32 via pivot pin 222 which extends through the lever 220, aswell as through the housing 225 of the cam lock 38. A cam 227 is formedupon the lever 220 such that the cam 227 contacts a pusher 224 and urgesthe pusher 224 toward the lower leg section 34 when the lever 220 ismoved, preferably toward the upper leg section 32. A resilient pad 226is positioned upon the in board surface of the pusher 224 such that whenthe pusher 224 is urged toward the lower leg section 34, the frictionpad 226 contacts the lower leg section 34 and holds the lower legsection 34 in position relative to the upper leg section 32. The cam 227formed upon the lever 220 is configured as an over-centered device, suchthat after the lever 220 is moved to either the actuated or unactuatedposition thereof, the lever 220 it tends to stay in that position untilsufficient force is applied so as to move the lever 220 to the otherposition thereof.

Thus, the lever 220 is pulled away from the leg 30 to unlock the leg 30and allow the lower leg section 34 slide into and out of the upper legsection 32. After adjusting the leg 30 to the desired length, the level220 is pushed toward the leg 30 to lock the lower leg section 34 inposition with respect to the upper leg section 32.

Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18, the upgradeable telescope system ofthe present invention comprises an X-Y finder scope 18 wherein two setsof diagonally opposed set screws facilitate alignment of the finderscope 18 with the telescope 12 in one X-Y direction at a time, so as tosubstantially simplify the alignment procedure.

The finder scope 18 comprises a tube 301 attached to the telescope 12via brackets 304 and 302. Each bracket 302, 304 comprises a pair ofgenerally parallel knife edges 305 and 307, respectively. Knife edges305 are oriented such that they are generally orthogonal with respect toknife edges 307. The tube 301 extends through openings defined by knifeedges 305 and 307 such that the forward end of the finder scope 18 canslide along one direction within the opening defined by knife edges 305and the rear end of finder scope 18 can slide along another direction,which is perpendicular to the first direction, within the openingdefined by knife edges 307.

A first pair of diametrically opposed set screws 316 and 318 arethreadedly attached to the front bracket 304 so as to move the forwardend of the finder scope 18 in the first direction and a similar pair ofdiametrically opposed set screws 312, 314, positioned orthogonal to thefirst pair of set screws 316, 318, are threadedly attached to the rearbracket 302 so as to similarly effect movement of the rear end of thefinder scope 18. Thus, the finder scope 18 can be aligned in twogenerally orthogonal directions, one direction at a time. To performalignment of the finder scope 18, it is merely necessary to loosen oneset screw of a selected pair of set screws, and then to tighten theopposed set screw of the selected pair. This process is generallyperformed upon each pair of set screws. Once the finder scope 18 isaligned, then all of the set screws 312, 314, 316, 318 are tightened soas to maintain desired alignment of the finder scope 18 with respect tothe telescope 12.

Alternatively, the finder scope 18 may be aligned by simply looseningall four set screws 312, 314, 316, 318 and then manually positioning thefinder scope 18, as desired. Thus, after the set screws 312, 314, 316,318 are loosened, the finder scope 18 is slid within the openingsdefined by the parallel knife edges 305 and 307 so as to effect desiredalignment of the finder scope 18 with respect to the telescope 12. Afteraligning the finder scope 18 with respect to the telescope 12, then theset screws 312, 314, 316, 318 are tightened carefully, preferably inopposed pairs, so as to mitigate movement of the finder scope 18 withrespect to the telescope 12, and thus maintain desired alignmentthereof.

Referring now to FIGS. 19 through 23, an alternative configuration ofthe motor drive assembly 400 and the worm drive housing 58 to which themotor drive assembly 400 attaches is shown. According to thisalternative configuration, the motor drive assembly 400 attaches to theworm drive housing 58 via a threaded collar 402 which threadedlyattaches to a complimentary threaded boss 406 formed upon the worm drivehousing 58.

With particular reference to FIG. 21, the threaded collar 402 attachesto the motor drive assembly 400 (defined by upper 407 and lower 409motor drive housings) via threaded collar retainer 403 which threadedlyattaches to upper 404A and lower 404B threaded couplings formed upon theupper 407 and lower 409 motor drive housings, respectively.

The output gear 252 of the reduction gear assembly 253 (FIG. 23) isdisposed within the threaded collar 402 and the worm 131 is disposedwithin the threaded boss 406, such that the motor 413 (FIGS. 21-23)drives the worm 131 through its attachment i.e., the threaded collar 20and the threaded boss 406, to the telescope mount 23.

Thus, according to this alternative configuration of the motor driveassembly 400 and the worm drive housing 58, the motor drive assembly 400is attached to the worm drive housing 58 simply by removing the knob(not shown) from the worm 133 and attaching the output gear 252 to theworm 133 in place of the knob. Set screw 404 may optionally be used toeffect such attachment. The motor drive assembly 400 is then attached tothe worm drive housing 58 by threading the threaded collar 402 to thethreaded boss 406, while simultaneously allowing output gear 252 toengage reduction gear assembly 253. Key 405 formed upon threaded collar402 is received within a complimentary recess (not shown) formed inthreaded boss 406 and assures desired alignment of the motor driveassembly 400 with respect to the worm drive housing 58. It has beenfound that this alternative method of attachment provides enhancedrigidity.

Referring now to FIGS. 21 through 23, the motor 413 is mounted upon aplatform 412 via shock/vibration isolators as discussed above and theplatform 412 is mounted to the upper 407 and lower 409 motor driveassembly housings via shock/vibration isolation resilient O-rings 408which are disposed upon either side thereof and are disposed aboutthreaded fasteners 410 as described in detail above. The platform 412comprises upper 416 and lower 414 platform sections.

With particular reference to FIG. 23, the motor 413 and the reductiongear assembly 253 defined by gears 426, 428 and 429 disposed upon shaft430 and gears 434 and 436 disposed upon shaft 432 are disposed upon theplatform 412. An encoder 424 is formed integrally with motor output gear422, as discussed above. The motor 413 and the reduction gear assembly253 are captured intermediate the upper 416 and lower 414 platformsections. The motor 413 is resiliently mounted to the upper 416 andlower 414 platform sections via resilient motor mount 420 and o-ring 418which are captured by the upper 416 and lower 414 platform sections, asdescribed in detail above.

It is understood that the exemplary upgradeable telescope systemdescribed herein and shown in the drawings represents only a presentlypreferred embodiment of the invention. Indeed, various modifications andadditions may be made to such embodiment without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention. For example, those skilled in the artwill appreciate that various different mechanical configurations of theworm drive assembly and the motor drive assembly are likewise suitablefor facilitating easy and convenient upgrading. Also, various differentconfigurations of the friction lock are contemplated. Thus, these andother modifications and additions may be obvious to those skilled in theart and may be implemented to adapt the present invention for use in avariety of different applications.

We claim:
 1. A telescope system of the type commonly used toobserve/photograph celestial objects, the telescope system comprising: atelescope; a tripod supporting the telescope; a first shaft rigidlyattached to the telescope; a mount attaching the telescope to the tripodin a manner which facilitates rotation of the telescope about twogenerally orthogonal axes with respect to the tripod, the mountcomprising: a base; two arms extending from the base, the first shaftbeing pivotally attached to one of the two arms to define a first axisof the two generally orthogonal axes; a second shaft rigidly attached tothe base and pivotally attached to the tripod to define a second axis ofthe two generally orthogonal axes; at least one worm drive for effectingdesired movement of the telescope with respect to the tripod, each wormdrive comprising: a worm gear formed upon one of the first and secondshafts; a worm having first and second ends, the worm being configuredto engage the worm gear; a pair of resilient supports for each worm, oneresilient support being located proximate the first end of the worm andthe other resilient support being located proximate the second end ofthe worm, the resilient supports providing shock/vibration isolation ofthe worm with respect to the telescope, wherein each of the resilientsupports comprises a body having a flat side and an opening formedthrough the body, the worm extending through the opening; and a bushinglocated within the opening of the body of the support for facilitatingrotation of the worm with respect to the support.
 2. A telescope systemof the type commonly used to observe/photograph celestial objects, thetelescope system comprising: a telescope; a tripod supporting thetelescope; a first shaft rigidly attached to the telescope; a mountattaching the telescope to the tripod in a manner which facilitatesrotation of the telescope about two generally orthogonal axes withrespect to the tripod, the mount comprising: a base; two arms extendingfrom the base, the first shaft being pivotally attached to one of thetwo arms to define a first axis of the two generally orthogonal axes; asecond shaft rigidly attached to the base and pivotally attached to thetripod to define a second axis of the two generally orthogonal axes; atleast one worm drive for effecting desired movement of the telescopewith respect to the tripod, each worm drive comprising: a worm gearformed upon one of the first and second shafts; a worm having first andsecond ends, the worm being configured to engage the worm gear; a pairof resilient supports for each worm, one resilient support being locatedproximate the first end of the worm and the other resilient supportbeing located proximate the second end of the worm, the resilientsupports providing shock/vibration isolation of the worm with respect tothe telescope, wherein each of the resilient supports comprises a bodyhaving a flat side and an opening formed through the body, the wormextending through the opening; and two set screws, one set screw foradjusting a position of each one of the two resilient supports so as toadjust a position of the worm with respect to the worm gear.
 3. Thetelescope system according to claim 2, further comprising a pusher blockfor each support, one of the set screws pushing against the pusher blockand the pusher block pushing against the flat side of the support.
 4. Aworm drive for effecting desired movement of a telescope, the worm drivecomprising: a worm gear; a worm having first and second ends, the wormbeing configured to engage the worm gear; a pair of resilient supportsfor each worm, one resilient support being located proximate the firstend of the worm and the other resilient support being located proximatethe second end of the worm, the resilient supports providingshock/vibration isolation of the worm with respect to the telescope,wherein each of the resilient supports comprises a body having a flatside and an opening formed through the body, the worm extending throughthe opening; and a bushing located within the opening of the body of thesupport for facilitating rotation of the worm with respect to thesupport.
 5. A worm drive for effecting desired movement of a telescope,the worm drive comprising: a worm gear; a worm having first and secondends, the worm being configured to engage the worm gear; a pair ofresilient supports for each worm, one resilient support being locatedproximate the first end of the worm and the other resilient supportbeing located proximate the second end of the worm, the resilientsupports providing shock/vibration isolation of the worm with respect tothe telescope, wherein each of the resilient supports comprises a bodyhaving a flat side and an opening formed through the body, the wormextending through the opening; and two set screws, one set screw foradjusting a position of each one of the two resilient supports so as toadjust a position of the worm with respect to the worm gear.
 6. The wormdrive according to claim 5, further comprising a pusher block for eachsupport, one of the set screws pushing against the pusher block and thepusher block pushing against the flat side of the resilient support. 7.A telescope system of the type commonly used to observe/photographcelestial objects, the telescope system comprising: a telescope; atripod supporting the telescope; a first shaft rigidly attached to thetelescope; a mount attaching the telescope to the tripod in a mannerwhich facilitates rotation of the telescope about two generallyorthogonal axes with respect to the tripod, the mount comprising: abase; two arms extending from the base, the first shaft being pivotallyattached to one of the two arms to define a first axis of the twogenerally orthogonal axes; a second shaft rigidly attached to the baseand pivotally attached to the tripod to define a second axis of the twogenerally orthogonal axes; at least one worm drive for effecting desiredmovement of the telescope with respect to the tripod, each worm drivecomprising: a worm gear located upon at least one of the first andsecond shafts; a worm having first and second ends, engaging each wormgear; a pair of supports for each worm, one support being locatedproximate the first end of the worm and the other support being locatedproximate the second end of the worm; and two set screws, one set screwfor adjusting a position of each one of the two supports, so as toadjust a position of the worm with respect to the worm gear.
 8. Thetelescope system according to claim 7, wherein each support comprises aresilient support for providing shock/vibration isolation of thetelescope with respect to the worm.
 9. The telescope system according toclaim 8, further comprising a pusher block for each support, one of theset screws pushing against the pusher block and the pusher block pushingagainst the support.
 10. The telescope system according to claim 7,wherein each support comprises a rubber support.
 11. A The telescopesystem according to claim 7, wherein each of the supports comprise abody having a flat side and an opening formed through the body, one ofthe first and second ends of the worm extending through the opening. 12.The telescope system according to claim 11, further comprising a bushinglocated within the opening of body for facilitating rotation of one ofthe first and second shafts with respect to the body.
 13. A worm drivefor effecting desired movement of telescope with respect to a tripod,the worm drive comprising: a worm gear; a worm having first and secondends, engaging the worm gear; a pair of supports, one support beinglocated proximate the first end of the worm and the other support beinglocated proximate the second end of the worm, the supports providingshock/vibration isolation of the worm with respect to the telescope; andtwo set screws, one set screw for adjusting a position of each one ofthe two supports, so as to adjust a position of the worm with respect tothe worm gear.
 14. The worm drive according to claim 13, wherein eachsupport comprises a resilient support for providing shock/vibrationisolation of the telescope with respect to the worm.
 15. The worm driveaccording to claim 14, further comprising a pusher block for eachsupport, one of the set screws pushing against the pusher block and thepusher block pushing against the support.
 16. The worm drive accordingto claim 13, wherein each support comprises a rubber support.
 17. Theworm drive according to claim 13, wherein each of the resilient supportscomprise a body having a flat side and an opening formed through thebody, one of the first and second ends of the worm extending through theopening.
 18. The worm drive according to claim 17, further comprising abushing located within the opening of body for facilitating rotation ofthe worm with respect to the body.